We're officially back in Missouri with snow, freezing temperatures, and TV watching marathons. The abundance of flurries and wind are keeping us home, so I've been going through my pictures and wishing for extra days in Texas. Two weeks wasn't enough time to be with our families, but I loved every moment. We spread the holiday out between three glorious days of eating, gift giving, and extra hugs and kisses from our sweet little nephews.

Hope everyone had the merriest of Christmases and happiest of new years.

Our Christmas tree last night. Everything boxed, wrapped, and tied with bows. Countless hours watching holiday movies and rolls of pretty paper and tape all over the floor. Now everything is packed up and on it's way to Texas. I've never been so excited to spend 10 hours in a car!

With snow on the ground and hot chocolate in our hands, we spent Saturday evening strolling around Garden Glow at the Missouri Botanical Gardens. It was one of the prettiest sights I've seen this December, a true winter wonderland with glow globes, a frosted forest, and a journey under the twinkling tunnel. . Chilly fingers and icey noses aside, Mark and I both agreed it was the perfect night to spend outside looking at lights. I really love this time of the year.

December is in full swing and it's time to make merry and spread some holiday cheer. So today I have the prettiest of things picked out for y'all, plus a link to an amazing giveaway.

First up, 6 charming gifts to package and wrap. I'm swooning over these items, and have already added them to my personal wishlist. I doubt anything would give me more pleasure than receiving these particular gifts, in fact I would be simply giddy. Because I truly believe it's better to give than receive, and all 6 of these pretties are made with love and the spirit of giving back. Read about their stories here, here, here, here, and here. There are oodles and oodles of fabulous vendors out there that generously give back, but these are some of my favorites. It's gift giving in the best way...and a chance to give a little back.

And in the spirit of giving, are you ready for the most generous giveaway? I am super excited to share this giveaway with y'all. My sweet friend Florence, from MadeByFirenze is hosting her second annual blog wishes. An a-maz-ing giveaway where YOU get to pick the prize! And if that wasn't exciting enough, for every entry she receives she is going to donate half of that dollar amount to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research, and half to the charity of the winner’s choice. So the more entries, the bigger the donation. I adore this idea and wish I had thought of it first!To enter simply visit her site, and post your wishlist item in the comments below. I am wishing for a pretty pair of Noonday earrings (I have a wee obsession) and donating to help their cause.

It's December my loves. My favorite month of the year. Every year I look forward to unwrapping all my little ornaments and hanging them on our tree. Somehow I always forget a couple and get ever so excited when I rediscover them. I definitely have a couple favorites, my little moose, the three carolers, and all the lovely ones from friends and family. I bought a new tree this year, our old one was looking a little dinky and only half the lights were working. I think it would be so romantic to have a real tree, but then I remember our little Jackie cat and settle for a plastic replica. It took me hours to decide on a tree and even longer molding it to resemble it's nature made relative. I won't tell you how long it took me to hang our ornaments, you would just think I'm silly.

A couple of months ago I made a personal decision to start following the Paleo diet - omitting grain, gluten, legumes, refined sugar, and some dairy. It was a decision that I haven't regretted, and I've never felt better. So when planning our little Thanksgiving for two, I wanted to make something traditional with a grain free twist! And my sweet husband was completely on board. I also had a second ambition...to make everything from scratch.

If you had asked me a year ago to cook a thanksgiving meal from scratch, I would have merrily laughed at you. We would probably be eating stove top stuffing, canned cranberry sauce, prepackaged desserts, a ready made turkey, and perhaps a side of hand mashed potatoes. But a year later I am feeling more confident in the kitchen. Together we cooked our first turkey and had the loveliest of thanksgiving meals! It was the best.

Mark took control of the turkey and it was the juiciest, prettiest, yummiest turkey I've ever tasted (sorry mum)! The night before, I made chocolate pie with raw graham cracker crust while Mark brined the turkey. Our home smelled amazing...actually our home smelled amazing during the entire cooking process. The day of, I was in charge of the cranberry sauce, roasted garlic mashed cauliflower, apple sausage stuffing, and herbed drop biscuits. Mark finished up the cooking with roasted brussel sprouts and glazed carrots. I was sure that we were going to botch a recipe, but unbelievably everything went off without a hitch. We cooked in our pajamas with football playing in the background, and had the most relaxing holiday.

Our kitchen is now a happy and beautiful disaster and I am completely content with it. I am so looking forward to eating leftovers for days and enjoying a guilt free indulgence.

Ninety percent of our menu was created by the amazing Danielle Walker. Check out her blog and her thanksgiving e-book. It might change your life.

Thanksgiving day with Mark was swell. We watched the parade, feasted till our hearts and bellys were content, and watched our Cowboys win. It was the loveliest of days. I missed our families who are so far away in the lone star state, but spending time with my little family of two has been wonderful. Thankful for all the things in our lives.

Hope everyone had a happy Thanksgiving. xoxo

p.s. Check back tomorrow to see all the yummy paleo dishes we cooked up in our tiny kitchen.